Brief
Saudi Arabia issues weather warnings for heavy rain, hail and flash floods in seven regions
The National Centre for Meteorology forecast moderate to heavy thunderstorms and near‑zero visibility, prompting civil‑defence alerts.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Saudi Arabia's National Centre for Meteorology (NCM) warned on Oct. 17 of heavy thunderstorms, flash floods and strong winds across seven regions, with severe weather expected to continue until Oct. 21, Gulf News reported.
The forecast calls for moderate to heavy rain in Mecca, Jazan, Asir, Al Baha, Hail, Al Jouf and the Northern Borders, while lighter rain is expected in parts of Medina, Tabuk and the Eastern Province. The NCM highlighted the risk of hail, dust‑laden downdrafts and visibility dropping to almost zero, especially in the Mecca region and its governorates, including Taif and Al Ardiyat, where red alerts were issued.
The General Directorate of Civil Defence urged residents and visitors to stay in safe locations, avoid valleys, flood channels and any area where water accumulates, and refrain from swimming in floodwaters. It also advised the public to follow safety instructions issued through official media and social‑media channels.
Additional hazards include possible fog formation overnight along coastal parts of Mecca, Medina and the Eastern Province, which could further reduce road visibility. In the Red Sea, winds may exceed 50 km/h, generating waves up to 1.5 m and posing risks to small vessels, while conditions in the Arabian Gulf are expected to remain calmer.
Key facts
- The NCM forecast moderate to heavy thunderstorms on Oct. 17 across seven Saudi regions. (gulfnews.com)
- Red alerts were issued for heavy rainfall in Taif and Al Ardiyat. (gulfnews.com)
- Civil Defence warned against crossing flooded valleys and swimming in floodwaters. (gulfnews.com)
- Fog could form overnight along the coasts of Mecca, Medina and the Eastern Province. (gulfnews.com)
- Red Sea winds may exceed 50 km/h with waves up to 1.5 m; Arabian Gulf expected to stay calmer. (gulfnews.com)
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “Saudi Arabia warns of heavy rain and flash floods in seven regions”
